Dawn Kowalewski

Portland, Oregon

As a visual creative based in Portland, Oregon, my work is heavily influenced by my personal experience as a late-deafened individual. With the help of cochlear implants, I experience the world through a unique lens, constantly questioning the relationship between sound and visual perception. Through the use of movement, light and shadows, it is my intention to create thought-provoking pieces that challenge the viewer’s perception of deafness and the role of hearing in society. With a desire to spark curiosity and open conversations, my photography explores themes of noise and silence, as well as the power of choice and agency in creating change. My work can be seen as a purgatory between the two worlds of sound and deafness, ultimately highlighting the beauty and complexity of both.